#6959                                                                                          

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Palais Royal Piano Workbox - Exceptionally rare, this stunning figural workbox is made in the shape of a piano.   The top of the piano has inlaid ivory "keys" and a beautiful grain in the wood.   The side of the piano has a lovely piece of gilt trim in the shape of two cornucopias filled with fruits and flowers.  The piano measures 11 1/2" long by 7 3/4" wide by 6 1/2" high.   The inside lid has an absolutely amazing picture of what looks to be a grand ballroom.   The lid probably originally had a mirror which was replaced with the picture. But the picture is quite old - possibly 19th century.     

The tools inside the fitted tray include:  a mother of pearl quiver of arrows shaped needlecase, scissors, thimble, 2 stilettos, 2 reels, a toothpick, 3 snowflake silk winders and 1 fish shaped silk winder as well as a heart shaped pincushion and an attached floral stitched pincushion.    The original music movement is still in the bottom of the box although it does not seem to work.  

I believe that one of the two stilettos and the floral stitched pincushion are replacements.   There are two hairline cracks in the scent bottle and the toothpick has one small piece broken off of one end.   The needlecase has a small chip on the inside and the blades of the scissors are a bit tarnished and they do not quite meet.  The left side of the tray with the floral pincushion looks to be somewhat clumsily restored at some point.   I belive that all of these changes were probably made to the box in the late 19th century or early 20th century.   In spite of a few condition problems this is still a rare and quite lovely palais royal workbox.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 $3450.00                

                                                                       #6431                                                                                          

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Miniature Scent Etui - Actually, miniature doesn't really begin to describe the size of this exquisite little etui.  It measures 1 7/8" tall and 1 1/4" wide.   I have tried to give you an idea of its tiny scale by including the quarter in the pictures.   The case is made of beautiful ivory with gold fittings.   The third pictures shows the etui from the back edge so that you can see the gold hinge.  The cut crystal scent bottle inside the etui is a miniscule 7/8" high (including the stopper) by 5/8" wide.  This is really tiny!   And the hand cut crystal sparkles and shines.  The inside of the case is lined in pink velvet.     

There is a hairline crack in the ivory on the back of the case which is visable in the second picture.   The hinge and the button closure both work well.   The scent bottle is in very good condition although the cap is missing.   It still has its original stopper which pulls out of the tiny bottle with ease.  There are no cracks or chips in the crystal.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             $825.00               

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#6892

Miniature Scent Bottle -  This tiny scent bottle is attach- ed to its lovely silver case al- though the stop- per pulls out easily.  The case measures 1 3/8" x 3/4" and has the initials "L.G." engraved on one side.   The other side is engraved with the words, "Valutato per amicizia".                                                                                   $235.00

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  #6950                         

Thimble Case - This gorgeous thimble case is made up of alternating panels of mother of pearl and abalone.   The abalone is especially beautiful as it is showing a lovely rainbow of colors.  The inside of the case is edged in ivory and lined in a beautiful blue velvet.  The bottom of the case retains its original paper.        

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The small thimble inside the case is hallmarked for      Birmingham, 1899, so it is quite a bit later than the case.  The thimble is not quite round, but it is other- wise in excellent condition.   There is one area where the abalone is a bit chipped and the hinge feels just a tiny bit loose.  I hesitate to mention the hinge because that is very minor.                                                                                                                                                                                  $325.00

                                                                       #6936                                                                                          

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Palais Royal Etui - Undoubtedly made in the palais royal district of Paris in the early 19th century, this beautiful boxed needlework set is both rare and quite special.   The set includes: mother of pearl handled scissors, needlecase, star shaped silk winder and two reels, as well as a crystal scent bottle and a replacement gilt thimble.  The scissors are especially beautiful.   The velvet lined fitted box is embossed red leather.     

The reels, the silk winder and the scissors are in excellent condition.  The scent bottle has an obvious repair and the needlecase has a small chip on the inside of the case (visable in the 3rd picture).  The bodkin is missing.   The button closure on the box is also missing, although the box opens and closes with absolutely no problem.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           $1895.00               

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#6946

Silver Scissors -  These ornate silver scissors  feature swirls and flourishes on both the handles and the matching sheath. They measure 3 3/4" in length, and they have intact points.  One handle is just a bit loose although it is still solidly attached.   I did not find any markings on either the blades or the handles.                                                                                           $265.00